In photo: Engr. Mohajirin Ali (third from left), SUBATRA Programme Director, hands over a laptop to Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Member of Parliament and Bangsamoro Women Commission Chairperson Bainon Karon (center) during the turnover ceremony of Php27-million worth of equipment to the BARMM and BTA Parliament on March 2, 2022 in Cotabato City
The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines, through the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, recently turned over more than Php27-million worth of equipment to the Bangsamoro Government in this city.
The equipment included desktop computers, laptops, printers, and other peripherals, which are envisioned to help the Bangsamoro Government’s day-to-day operations during the transition period.
Christoph Wagner, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, said the equipment will specifically support data management initiatives of selected key BARMM ministries, communication, and the crafting of laws.
“We recognize the importance of evidence-based planning, decision-making, and strategic communication in this crucial stage of the transition period in BARMM,” said Mr. Wagner.
He added that the equipment will support the timely and smooth delivery of interventions during the transition period.
During the turnover ceremony, Engr. Mohajirin Ali, Director-General of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority and SUBATRA Programme Director, thanked the EU for their generous support to BARMM.
“As we develop the capacities of our workforce with support from SUBATRA, we also equip them with tools that enable them to deliver their tasks efficiently and contribute to the success of the transition period,” said Ali.
He added that the SUBATRA Programme has been instrumental in the strengthening of institutions in Bangsamoro in the last two years.
The Php1.5-billion EU-supported SUBATRA Programme started implementation in July 2020 and will run until June 2025.
SUBATRA aims to help BARMM lay the foundation for lasting peace and development in the region by strengthening the capacities of its institutions to establish an enabling democratic governance environment during the Bangsamoro transition period.
AECID (the Spanish Development Cooperation Agency), the United Nations Office for Project Services, and the Particip – KAS Consortium are among the implementing partners of the SUBATRA Programme. #
